Walmart makes noticeable aisle change giving customers dedicated section so they can pick through the ‘healthy’ options

WALMART has made a major change to the aisle in a move to provide customers with more health-conscious choices.

The section was created for a specific type of drink that has gained popularity in recent years.

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Many shoppers will now find the Modern Soda Collection area at their local Walmart store or in the coming months, according to the ModernRetail website.

It offers a dedicated space for Walmart customers to find “healthier” soda alternatives like Culture Pop, Olipop, Poppi, Zevia and more.

Zevia has been around a long time, first launching 17 years ago in 2007 as an affordable option for soda lovers to reach for to get the taste they want without all the sugar and other not-so-good-for-you ingredients.

Along with the new division's arrival at Walmart, Zevia confirmed in early November that it would be expanding its partnership with the retail giant, according to a press release.

It has been distributed to about 800 Walmart locations in the past but will increase about five times to 4,300 stores instead.

Zevia cited the explosive growth in sales at Walmart stores over the past two years as part of the reason for the expansion.

CEO confidence

“Our exciting expansion with Walmart builds on a multi-year, insights-driven effort to provide a better understanding and therefore clearer definition of the better-for-you soft drink category – past, present and future,” Amy Taylor, president and CEO of Zevia, said in the release.

Taylor also praised Walmart's move to implement a new modern soda section in stores across the country.

“We love Walmart's decision to name the in-store lineup 'Modern Soda,' and the strength of premium brands combined with the significant change in consumer behavior in favor of Better-for-You beverages, makes this a very exciting space.” I continued.

“Zevia's product offering and attractive price point fit well with Walmart's commitment to making healthy eating more accessible and affordable, which is well-served by this growing brand and category distribution at Walmart retail locations across the U.S.”

Poppi has also committed to a similar expansion of 4,300 Walmart locations along with Zevia as part of the retailer's new Modern Soda division, according to ModernRetail.

It's a 79% increase, but Bobby expects a 100% increase in profits from Walmart's decision.

Bubble to the top

Overall, the better-for-you soft drink category reached $1 billion in sales this year, according to data compiled by Spins/Circana over the past 52 weeks ending Sept. 8.

Zevia topped those numbers, with consumers getting nearly four times more of its products per household than competitors like Poppi, it released.

At least 18 different flavors of Zevia are offered at Walmart, including Black Cherry, Cola, Creamy Root Beer, Ginger Ale, Orange Soda, Vanilla Cola, and more.

The limited-edition Salted Caramel option was recently introduced as an online exclusive.

Zevia is committed to having no artificial colours, flavors or sweeteners in all of its drinks.

Only natural and plant-based ingredients are used for sweetener.

A wide variety of healthy soda options can be found for customers on Walmart's website.

Private label

Walmart has been adapting to include more health-conscious options for some time and launched its own Bettergoods brand earlier this year.

Bettergoods has many affordable food and drink options that take dietary restrictions into account.

Many are either dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan and come with no artificial flavors, coloring, or added sugar.

Walmart's Black Friday deals were also recently announced, with 65% off some products in the Flash Sale.

It has also expanded certain services, “to make it easier for shoppers” and help ease their travel requirements.